Roy Kienitz

Roy Kienitz currently serves as the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at the United States Department of Transportation. He was sworn in as Under Secretary in May 2009. In this capacity, Mr. Kienitz assists the Secretary in formulating national policies affecting surface transportation and aviation. As mentioned in his confirmation hearing, Under Secretary Kienitz shares Secretary LaHoods goals of making safety, livability, sustainability, and economic recovery the primary objectives of the Department. Mr. Kienitz joins DOT with diverse transportation policy experience. He has worked for non-profit organizations and has held both state and federal government positions. Prior to his appointment to the Department of Transportation, Mr. Kienitz served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Edward Rendell. Beginning in 2003, he was a leader on the Governors staff for transportation, alternative energy, and environment initiatives, and directed a number of major capital projects including the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion, Pittsburgh sports arena and the Port of Philadelphia. Previously, Mr. Kienitz served as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning where he implemented the states Smart Growth policies, and promoted mixed-use transit-oriented projects. He was a strong advocate for innovation in transportation while serving as the Executive Director to the Surface Transportation Policy Project; and gained significant legislative branch experience while working for Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan as Chief of Staff and for the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee. Mr. Kienitz has received various awards including the Special Recognition Award from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior for work promoting new transportation strategies for National Parks. Originally from California, Kienitz earned his bachelors degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983.